Multi-directional, multi-functional wearable safety lighting apparatus

ABSTRACT

A multi-functional, multi-directional wearable safety lighting device is disclosed herein that includes a main light housing and a magnetic mounting assembly coupleable to a bottom surface of the main light housing. The mounting assembly is configured to secure the wearable safety lighting device to a user. The main light housing includes warning light elements coupled front and rear side surfaces. A directional work light is coupled to the front side surface of the main housing and is distinct from the warning light elements. A power source supplies power to the warning light elements and the work light. A controller is programmed to energize the warning light elements in select subgroups following depression of a first control button or a second control button, and energize the directional work light following depression of a third control button.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priorityto U.S. application Ser. No. 13/676,549 filed on Nov. 14, 2012, which isa continuation of and claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No.12/612,632 filed on Nov. 4, 2009, which is a non-provisional of andclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/113,117 filed onNov. 10, 2008, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of safety andwarning indicators and specifically to multifunctional beaconing devicesfor safety personnel.

BACKGROUND

Safety personnel such as law enforcement officers, firefighters, medicalpersonnel, military personnel, and security personnel are frequentlyinvolved in situations where they must leave their vehicle or where theyinteract directly with crowds and the public. The vehicles used bysafety personnel are generally equipped with audible and visual alarms,safety devices and tracking devices. Once an individual has left theirvehicle, however, they may be unable to readily access these features.

Construction personnel and workers in the transportation or powerindustries frequently encounter similar safety issues when operating intheir day-to-day jobs. Construction personnel, such as those operatingon large job sites or on transportation projects, for example, workoutdoors in areas with high vehicle traffic or amongst large pieces ofmotorized equipment. Airport personnel, crossing guards, and theemployees of highway crews and tow companies perform their jobs on footin high-traffic areas and often in low-light or nighttime situations.

To improve visibility when working in low light or nighttime conditionsaway from their vehicles, construction and safety personnel often wearclothing or other accessories made with florescent or reflective fabricand carry flashlights. Wearing such reflective clothing may prove ahindrance to law enforcement or military personal in covert situations.Also, these devices provide limited or no added visability duringdaylight hours in highly populated areas or in crowd control situations.These devices also do not permit the user to be identified or locatedfrom a distance. Further, in the case of flashlight-type devices, thedevice may serve to hinder the user in an emergency situation and slowthe user in performing work-related tasks, since the device occupies oneof the user's hands when in use.

In such situations, it would be desirable for safety personnel to have amulti-functional device that can be carried on his or her person,provide a hands free source of light, and which affords the userimproved visability when outside his or her vehicle in populated or hightraffic areas, regardless of the time of day or level of ambient light.It would also be desirable for such a device to provide enhancedvisibility of the user in multiple directions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention disclosed herein include a securelyattached portable, wearable device to enhance safety, visibility andcommunication capability of safety personnel when such personal leavetheir vehicles. The device provided is configured to be securelyattached to the wearer, and is capable of emitting variable visual andaudio signals actuated by a control panel component which is designed sothat the user can activate various options of visual and audio signalswhile in flight. The device may further include GPS capability fortracking, activation and deactivation functions.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a wearable safetylighting device includes a main housing having a top surface, a bottomsurface, and a plurality of side surfaces and a mounting assemblycoupleable to the bottom surface of the main housing. The mountingassembly is configured to secure the wearable safety lighting device toa user. A first plurality of warning light elements is coupled to afront side surface of the main housing, a directional work light iscoupled to the front side surface of the main housing and distinct fromthe first plurality of warning light elements, and a second plurality ofwarning light elements is coupled to a rear side surface of the mainhousing. A power source is configured to supply power to the first andsecond plurality of warning light elements and the directional worklight and a controller is programmed to energize the first plurality ofwarning light elements following depression of a first control button,energize the second plurality of warning light elements followingdepression of a second control button, and energize the directional worklight following depression of a third control button.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a wearable safetylighting apparatus includes a main light assembly having a rechargeablepower source disposed within a housing and a first light assemblyengaged between a top portion and a bottom portion of the housing, thefirst light assembly comprising a first plurality of light componentsand a work light component. The main light assembly also includes asecond light assembly engaged between the top portion and the bottomportion of the housing, the second light assembly comprising a secondplurality of light components. A plurality of switches are configured toselectively energize the first plurality of light components, the secondplurality of light components, and the work light component to causevisual signals to emit therefrom and a first magnet coupled to thebottom portion of the housing. The wearable safety lighting apparatusalso includes a mounting assembly comprising a second magnet positionedto align with the first magnet to secure the wearable safety lightingapparatus through clothing of a user.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a wearable safetylighting apparatus includes a multi-functional light assembly having aplurality of light components configured to emit visual signals inmultiple directions and a first magnetic component secured to a bottomsurface of the multifunctional light assembly. A mounting assembly iscoupleable to the multi-functional light assembly via a second magneticcomponent secured to a top surface of the mounting assembly.

Various other features and advantages will be made apparent from thefollowing detailed description and the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate preferred embodiments presently contemplated forcarrying out the invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a flare deviceapparatus.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of one embodiment of a flare deviceapparatus.

FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of one embodiment of a flare deviceapparatus.

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a flare device apparatus secured tothe shoulder of a safety personal.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a multi-directional,multi-functional wearable safety lighting apparatus and chargingassembly according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the wearable safety lightingapparatus of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the wearable safety lightingapparatus of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the wearable safety lightingapparatus of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the wearable safety lightingapparatus of FIG. 5 arranged in a disengaged position.

FIG. 10 is a rear elevational view of the wearable safety lightingapparatus of FIG. 5 arranged in the disengaged position.

FIG. 11 is a right elevational view of the wearable safety lightingapparatus of FIG. 5 arranged in the disengaged position.

FIG. 12 is a left elevational view of the wearable safety lightingapparatus of FIG. 5 arranged in the disengaged position.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the wearable safety lighting apparatus of FIG.5.

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the wearable safety lighting apparatus ofFIG. 5.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the wearable safety lighting apparatus ofFIG. 5.

FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of the wearable safety lightingapparatus of FIG. 5 arranged in an engaged position.

FIG. 17 is a bottom view of a main light assembly of the wearable safetylighting apparatus of FIG. 5.

FIG. 18 is a top view of a mounting assembly of the wearable safetylighting apparatus of FIG. 5.

FIG. 19 is a schematic block diagram operation of the controller elementof the wearable safety lighting apparatus of FIG. 5, according to oneembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the present invention,references are made in the text hereof to embodiments of a personalsecurity alert device for safety personnel, only some of which aredescribed herein. It should nevertheless be understood that nolimitations on the scope of the invention are thereby intended. One ofordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that modifications,such as the dimensions of a personal security alert device for safetypersonnel and use of alternate but functionally similar material(s), maybe made. The inclusion of additional elements may be deemed readilyapparent and obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, and allequivalent relationships to those described in the written descriptiondo not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Someof these possible modifications are mentioned in the followingdescription. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to beinterpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as arepresentative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art toemploy the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailedapparatus or manner.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale,emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of theinvention. In addition, in the embodiments depicted herein, likereference numerals in the various drawings refer to identical or nearidentical structural elements.

Moreover, the term “substantially” or “approximately” as used herein maybe applied to modify any quantitative representation that couldpermissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function towhich it is related. For example, one embodiment of the flare devicedisclosed herein may be comprised of a single multi-dimensional and/ortextured component, while others may include multiple multi-dimensionaland/or textured components.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a side view of oneembodiment of flare device 100. In the embodiment shown, housing 10 isgenerally rectangular but may be rounded, contoured to fit the curve ofa shoulder or any other shape. In the embodiment shown, flare device 100is worn on the shoulder of a safety personnel user, and attached byhook-and-eye fabric, a clip, spring attachment, magnetic means or anyother attachment means known in the art. For example, flare device 100may be adapted to clip to a lapel or strap.

Visible in housing 10 is beacon aperture 15 for a beacon light component20. In the embodiment shown, beacon light component 20 protrudes fromhousing 10 to enable a light to shine in a radius of 180 to 360 degrees.

Also shown in FIG. 1 are optional light components 30. In the embodimentshown, one or more light components 30 are affixed in and around theoutside of housing 10. In the embodiment shown, light components 30 maybe of various colors to signal different types of security situations,safety issues or types of security personal. For example, red and bluelights may identify a police officer. Red lights may be used to identifya medical alert. Orange lights may be used for mechanical/constructionsituations and/or personnel. Any colors, combination, or configurationof light components 30 may be used. Lights may also be used to signal anarrest or situation in which a civilian or member of the public has beendetained.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, housing 10 is compact, contoured andof sufficient width to encase light component 30, beacon light component20, as well as power source 70 (not shown) and storage compartment 80(not shown). In various embodiments, housing 10 can be rectangular oval,square, circular, or other shape which allows light component 30 toprovide light in all directions, and may have flat or curved edges.Further, housing 10 may be singly molded or machined, constructed ofmultiple parts, made from metal, plastic or composites and may be paddedand waterproof. Housing 10 must have a large enough aperture toaccommodate a multi-directional beacon.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, light component 30 contains aplurality of LED lamps which emit a variable visual signal and areaffixed substantially 360 degrees around the outside of housing 10. Itwill be appreciated that in other embodiments more or less lamps may beused without departing from the scope of the invention, and may includegaps in lamp placement so as to not shine directly in the eyes of thewearer. Further, alternate embodiments of light component 30 may containlamps of different types including fluorescent, xenon, incandescent,halogen, fiber optics, or any other lamp type known in the art.

In addition to light component 30, FIG. 1 depicts beacon light component20, which is mounted in or against the top of housing 10. Beacon lightcomponent 20 is a high-intensity lamp which emits a variable visualsignal. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, beacon light component 20 isa single LED lamp centrally placed on the top of housing 10 whichprotrudes to allow beacon light component 20 to be visible at a 180degree radius. In other embodiments, the location and positioning ofbeacon light component 20 may be off-centered to allow optimal lightdisplay when activated, and may contain lamps of different typesincluding fluorescent, xenon, incandescent, halogen, fiber optics, orany other lamp type known in the art.

In various embodiments, beacon light component 20 and light components30 may be colored and/or activated in a coordinated scheme todistinguish a wearer in a particular profession. In certain embodiments,for example, a police officer may use blue, red and white lamps in lightcomponent 30 and use a bright white beacon light component 20, while aconstruction worker may use yellow and white lamps in light component 30with a yellow beacon light component 20. Thus envisioned, particularlight colors emitted from flare device 100 may be incorporated into theuniforms of various professions. In addition, flare device 100 may alsoemit audio signals at a user's command.

As illustrated in the embodiment in FIG. 1, control panel 40 is shown onthe side of housing 10 and adjacent to light component 30. It iscontemplated that control panel 40 alternatively be located on the topof housing 10, where it may be more easily activated by a moving user.In the embodiment shown, control panel 40 is a pressure sensitiveinterface designed for activation while in flight or situations when thewearer cannot look at buttons. In alternate embodiments, control panel40 may be a roll bar, button or any other engagement mechanism known inthe art which allows single or multiple settings, and may containvoice-activation technology and may be code activated. It iscontemplated that control panel 40 may contain pattern selector 60 (notshown) to further allow ease of use.

The embodiment in FIG. 1 further includes securing mechanism 50, whichis attached to the bottom of housing 10. In various embodiments,securing mechanism 50 may be a safety pin, clip, clamp, clasp, belt,snap, tie, or any other device which can be stably mounted. Securingmechanism 50 may be made from metal, plastic, fabric, composites,Velcro, straps, closures or any combination thereof and may includesingle or multiple parts. In the embodiment shown, securing mechanism 50is a safety pin that stably mounts flare device 100 to a wearer'sclothing.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of one embodiment of flare device 100,showing beacon light component 20 in a centrally located position. Inthe exemplary embodiment, pattern selector 60 is also shown on the topof housing 10. Pattern selector 60 is a pressure sensitive interface orswitch that allows a user to navigate between variable visual signals.

Pattern selector 60 may enable a variety of states and settings forflare device 100. In an exemplary embodiment, variable visual signalsmay include a first setting or position in which all lights in thedevice are off. A further setting or position may activate selective(e.g., rear or front) light components 30. A further setting or positionmay activate front rear and side light components 30 and/or cause themto flash at designated intervals. A further setting or position mayactivate beacon light component 20, while yet other positions mayactivate all lights, beacons and other emergency features (such assignaling, photography, recording, GPS, paging, sirens, emission ofchemicals, weaponry, nausea inducing light frequencies etc.).

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, pattern selector 60 is shown on thetop of housing 10 and adjacent to beacon light component 20, but may belocated anywhere on housing 10. It is contemplated that pattern selector60 alternatively be located on the side of housing 10. Pattern selector60 may be a switch, roll bar, button, or any other engagement mechanismknown in the art that allows single or multiple settings.

FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of flare device 100, showing anexemplary securing mechanism 50. In the embodiment shown, securingmechanism 50 is a safety pin which stably mounts flare device 100 to awearer's clothing. Also shown in the exemplary embodiment are powersource 70 and storage component 80. Power source 70 provides power tolight component 30 and beacon light component 20.

The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3 also illustrates storagecomponent 80 on the bottom of housing 10, where a user may store vitalinformation such as blood type, known allergies, doctor's name, etc., incase of injury. Storage component 80 contains a lid that is held inplace by a releasable retaining piece, which a user may unhook torelease contents.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-19 together where appropriate, amulti-directional, multi-functional, wearable safety lighting apparatus200 is illustrated according to another embodiment of the invention.Wearable safety lighting apparatus 200 includes a main light assembly202 and a mounting assembly 204. As described in detail below, thetwo-part construction and magnetic attachment components provided withinwearable safety lighting apparatus 200 permits apparatus 200 to quickly,easily, and securely be mounted on a user's shoulder through a jacket orother piece of clothing worn by the user.

Main light assembly 202 includes a main housing 206 having an upperhousing portion 208 and a lower housing portion 210. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 5, upper and lower housing portions 208, 210 arecoupled together via a plurality of screws 212. However, it iscontemplated that upper and lower housing portions 208, 210 may bejoined together using other fastening means, such as, for example,removable clips or adhesive in alternative embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 6 and FIGS. 9-13 in particular, a first light assembly214 is arranged on a first or frontward-facing side 216 of wearablesafety lighting apparatus 200. A second light assembly 218 is arrangedon a second or rearward-facing side 220 of wearable safety lightingapparatus 200, opposite the frontward-facing side 216. Each lightassembly 214, 218 includes a respective light housing 222, 224 havingmultiple warning light elements 226, 228, and an upward facing strobe orbeacon light element 230, 232 positioned therein. Beacon light elements230, 232 are positioned to emit visual signals in a direction facingoutward from upper housing portion 208.

A central light element 234 is also provided within light housing 222.In one embodiment, the central light element 234 operates as adirectional work light or task light, similar to a flashlight, andilluminates the area in front of the wearer when activated.

Light housings 222, 224 are constructed of a rigid, translucentmaterial, such as plastic or acrylic, which permits light emitted fromlight elements 226, 228, 234, 230, 232 to emanate therefrom. In oneembodiment, a rubberized gasket 236 forms a watertight orsemi-watertight seal between light housings 222, 224, upper housingportion 208, and lower housing portion 210.

According to a preferred embodiment, light elements 226, 228, 230, 232,234 are light emitting diodes (LEDs). The color, intensity, or type ofLEDs 226, 228, 230, 232, 234 may be selected based on designspecifications and application. As one example, beacon light elements230, 232 may be configured as white LEDs having a higher intensity thanlight elements 226, 228, 234. As another example, light elements 226,228, 234 may be various combinations of single color LEDs or be providedas multi-color LEDs. Any of light elements 226, 228, 230, 232, and/or234 may be provided as a dimmable light element. As yet another example,central light element 234 may be provided as a white LED and may have alower intensity or light output than beacon light elements 230, 232. Inone embodiment, some or all of LEDs 226, 228, 230, 232, 234 are of anintensity that permits the device to be visible from a distance of overtwo miles.

As shown in FIG. 9, light elements 226 positioned within light housing222 are arranged in two groups: a first group of light elements 238 anda second group of light elements 240, with the central light element 234positioned between the first and second groups 238, 240.

A subset of one or both of the first and second groups of light elements238, 240 may be configured to emit visual signals outward fromfrontward-facing side 216, while another subset of one or both of thefirst and second set of light elements 238, 240 are configured to emitvisual signals outward from respective leftward and rightward-facingsides 242, 244 of wearable safety lighting apparatus 200. For example,as illustrated in FIG. 11, light element 226 and light element 228 areboth positioned to project light outward from rightward-facing surface244.

Referring now to FIG. 10, light elements 228 are arranged on therearward-facing side 220 of wearable safety lighting apparatus 200 intwo groups, referred to as herein a third group of light elements 246and a fourth group of light elements 248. Similar to the first andsecond groups of light elements 238, 240, described above, the third andfourth groups of light elements 246, 248 may include light elements 228positioned to face rearward-facing side 220, leftward facing side 242,and/or rightward-facing side 226. As shown in FIG. 12, for example,light element 226 and light element 228 are positioned to project lightoutward from leftward facing side 242.

While each of the four groups of light elements 238, 240, 246, 248 aredescribed above as including one LED 226, 228, facing either theleftward side 242 or rightward side 224 of wearable safety lightingapparatus 200, it is contemplated that these side-facing LEDs may beomitted in an alternative embodiment. Alternatively, additionalside-facing LEDs may be provided to extend along part or all of therespective sides 242, 244 of wearable safety lighting apparatus 200. Itis contemplated that some or all of the LEDs positioned on leftward side242 or rightward side 244 of wearable safety lighting apparatus 200 maybe controlled to operate either in conjunction with light elementspositioned on frontward and rearward-facing sides 216, 220 orindependently therefrom.

According to alternative embodiments, the first, second, third, andfourth groups of light elements 238, 240, 246, 248 comprise LEDs of thesame color, such as, for example, red, blue, green, yellow, or orange.Alternatively, the color of light elements may vary from group to group.For example, first group 238 and third group 246 may include red LEDswhile second group 240 and fourth group 230 may include blue LEDs. Asanother example, first and second groups 238, 240 may include red LEDswhile third and fourth groups 246, 248 each include blue LEDs. In apreferred embodiment, central light element 234 and beacon lights 230,232 are configured to emit white light. However, the color of theselights may be varied according to design specifications for differingapplications.

Referring now to FIGS. 9, 10, and 13, a plurality of projections 250extend outward from a frontward-facing surface 252 of light housing 222.In one embodiment, these projections 250 have a generally circular faceand are positioned to align with the positions of the first and secondsets of light elements 226, and central light element 234 and functionas lenses to amplify and direct the visual signals emitted from lightelements 238, 240, 234. A top surface 254 of light housing 222 alsoincludes a projection 268 aligned with beacon light 230. Respectiveprojections 258, 260 are also formed on a rightward-facing surface 262and a leftward-facing surface 264 of light housing 222 to correspond tothe locations of respective LEDs 226, 228. These projections 250, 256,258, 260 function as lenses to magnify and direct the visual signalsemitted from respective light elements 226, 228, 230, 232, 234.Projections 266, 256, 270, 272 are formed on the light housing 224 in asimilar manner as described above, with projection 266 aligned withlight elements 240 on forward surface 200, projection 256 aligned withbeacon light 232, and projections 270, 272 aligned with light elements240 on respective rightward and leftward-facing surfaces 244, 242.

Referring now to FIGS. 5, 11, and 15 in particular, a charging port 274is provided within the main housing 206 to permit the charging of thepower source 276 of the wearable safety lighting apparatus 200 by way ofa power cord assembly 278. In one embodiment, power source 276 is arechargeable battery, such as a lithium ion battery or the like. Locatedadjacent charging port 274 is a charge indicator light 280 thatindicates the state of charge of the power source 276. In oneembodiment, charge indicator light 280 is a multi-color LED that glowsgreen to indicate a full charge and transitions to red as the state ofcharge of the power source 276 approaches zero. A cover 282 is attachedto main housing 206 by a flexible hinge 284. The hinge 284 permitsaccess to charging port 274 when the flexible cover 282 is in an openposition, as shown in FIG. 11 for example. When flexible cover 282 is ina closed position (illustrated in FIG. 6), flexible cover 282 creates aprotective seal over charging port 274, to prevent debris and moisturefrom entering charging port 274 when wearable safety lighting apparatus200 is in use and not being charged. Flexible cover 282 includes a tab286 that engages main housing 206 to retain flexible cover 282 in theclosed position.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 17, lower housing portion 210 is coupled tomain housing 206 by way of a plurality of fasteners 288 such as screws,for example. In alternative embodiments, lower housing portion 210 maycouple to main housing 206 by a snap fit or with an adhesive. A magnet290 is disposed within a protrusion 292 extending outwardly from abottom surface 294 of lower housing portion 210. When assembled, a topsurface 314 of magnet 290 is positioned to couple with magnetic mountingassembly 204.

Top and bottom views of magnetic mounting assembly 204 are illustratedin FIG. 18 and FIG. 14, respectively. Elevational views of mountingassembly 204 are provided in FIGS. 9-12. Mounting assembly 204 includesa mounting plate 296. In one embodiment, the top surface 304 of mountingplate 296 may be constructed having a curvature that mirrors thecurvature of the bottom surface 298. The bottom surface 298 of mountingplate 296 is contoured or curved downward to conform to a shoulder of auser, such as user 300 (FIG. 4). User 300 may be, for example a lawenforcement officer, firefighter, medical personnel, military personnel,or security personnel, or work in the transportation or constructionindustries.

A pad 302, constructed of a compliant material such as form or rubber,for example, is coupled to the bottom surface 298 of mounting plate 296.A magnet 306 is coupled to the top surface 304 of mounting plate 296. Asshown, magnet 306 is engaged within a circular protrusion 308 extendingoutwardly from the top surface 304 of mounting plate 296 and ispositioned to align with the magnet 290 coupled to main housing 206.

As shown in FIGS. 9-12, a pair of flanges 310 extends outwardly from topsurface 304 of mounting plate 296. In one embodiment, the pair offlanges 310 curve inwardly along their lengths toward magnet 306 and aresized such that a top surface 312 of each of the flanges 310 extendsabove a top surface 315 of magnet 306, as shown in FIG. 15. The topsurface 312 of flanges 310 may also be curved to mirror the curvature ofthe bottom surface 294 of lower housing portion 210, as shown in FIGS.11 and 12. The curvature of flanges 310 increases the surface contactarea of the mounting plate 296 with the bottom surface 294 of mainhousing 206 and improves stability of the wearable safety lightingapparatus 200 when worn by a user 300 (FIG. 4) by helping to preventtipping or rocking of main light assembly 202 atop mounting assembly204. The inward curvature of flanges 310 also provides a grippingsurface on the mounting assembly 204 to aid a user in pulling themounting assembly 204 away from the main light assembly 202.

A recess 316 or storage compartment is formed on the bottom surface 298of mounting plate 296. Recess 316 is sized to receive a data card 318having stored thereon personal data specific to the user 300. Aprotective cover 320 is provided to enclose data card 318 within recess316. Protective cover 320 may be removeably attached to bottom surface298 of mounting plate 296 via a hinge or one or more clips to permitaccess to and removal of data card 318.

The personal data provided on data card 318 may include, as non-limitingexamples, information such as the user's name, age or birth date,photograph, emergency contact information, doctor information, bloodtype, medical history, current medications, and drug allergies, asnon-limiting examples. In one embodiment, the personal data is printedon data card 318. In such an embodiment, data card 318 may be attachedto bottom surface 298 with an adhesive or may be retained in place byway of a pressure fit between protective cover 320 and bottom surface298.

In an alternative embodiment, data card 318 is an electronic storagedevice such as a flash drive or memory card having the personal datastored thereon. In an embodiment where data card 318 includeshandwritten or typewritten data, protective cover 320 may be made ofclear plastic to protect the data written on data card 318 from debrisor moisture while permitting the personal data to be viewed when thedevice is removed from the user.

Magnet 290 and magnet 306 are retained within respective lower housingportion 210 and mounting plate 296 as shown in the cross-sectional viewof FIG. 15. As illustrated, each magnet 290, 306 is constructed having afirst section 322, a central section 324, and a second section 326. Afirst recessed lip 328 is formed about the circumference of the topsurfaces 314, 315 of first section 322. First recessed lip 328 of magnet290 is sized to engage a corresponding inner surface 330 of protrusion292 so that magnet 290 is retained within upper housing portion 208.First recessed lip 329 of magnet 306 and is sized to engage acorresponding inner surface 336 of protrusion 308 so that magnet 306 isretained within lower housing portion 210. A second recessed lip 332 isformed about the circumference of the bottom surface 334 of secondsection 326

As shown in FIG. 15, the diameter 338 of the central sections 324 ofmagnet 290 and magnet 306 is greater than the diameter 340, 342 ofrespective first and second sections 322, 326. A first portion 344 ofcentral section 324 adjacent lip 328 is constructed with sloped sides topermit magnets 290, 306 to be engaged by respective protrusions 292,308. Once inserted, magnets 290, 306 are held in place by aninterference fit between a second portion 346 of central section 324 andthe respective side surfaces 348, 350 of protrusions 292, 308. Therelative dimensions of the respective diameters of first, second, andcentral sections 322, 326, 324 of magnets 290, 306 are selected suchthat magnets 290, 306 are retained within lower housing portion 210 andmounting plate 296 when main housing 206 and magnetic mounting assembly204 are pulled apart. That is, the diameter of respective centralsections 324 is large enough so that magnets 290, 306 do not snap out ofrespective lower housing portion 210 or mounting plate 296 when mainlight assembly 202 is pulled apart from mounting assembly 204.

In one embodiment, magnet 290 is constructed having a north polarity atits top or outward-facing surface 314 and a south polarity at its bottomsurface 334, while magnet 306 is constructed having a south polarity atits top or outward-facing surface 315 and a north polarity at its bottomsurface 335. However, it is contemplated that the polarities may bereversed that is the south pole of magnet 290 may be at top surface 314while the north pole of magnet 306 may be at top surface 315. Magnets290, 306 comprise a permanent magnet material such as, for example,neodymium iron boron. In one embodiment, the sizing and material ofmagnets 290, 306 are selected such that the attractive force betweenmagnets 290, 306 is in a range of approximately 10-15 pounds.

Wearable safety lighting device 200 is secured to a user by positioningthe magnetic mounting assembly 204 on the shoulder of the userunderneath the shoulder portion or a piece of the user's clothing, suchas a jacket for example. The main light assembly 202 is then positionedabove the shoulder portion of the clothing in a location aligned withthe magnetic mounting assembly 204. The magnetic attraction betweenmagnets 290, 306 secures the wearable safety lighting device 200 to theuser.

Magnet 290 may also be used to removeably couple main light assembly 202to other metallic objects such as, for example, vehicle components andlight components. Main light assembly 202 may thus be used apart frommagnetic mounting assembly 204 to provide enhanced visibility ofvehicles and to function as auxiliary light sources in low light areassuch as natural disaster areas where power is lost or crime scenes, asexamples.

Referring now to FIG. 6 and FIG. 13 in particular, an arrangement ofswitches/control buttons 352 is provided on the upper housing portion208 of main housing 206 to selectively control operation of lightelements 226, 228. In particular, a front control button 354 is providedto control operation of light elements 226 and a rear control button 356is provided to control operation of light elements 228. A center controlbutton 358 selectively controls operation of light elements 226, 228,and beacon light elements 230, 232. Power saver button 360 selectivelycontrols the intensity of any of light elements 226, 228, 234, 230, 232that are energized when power saver button 360 is depressed. Operationof central light element 234 is controlled via a work light button 362.

As shown in FIG. 13, center control button 358 is provided in the centerof upper housing portion 208 and is larger than buttons 354, 356, 360,362. The larger sizing and central location of center control button 358permits the user to easily access center control button 358 in anemergency situation and acts as an emergency override switch thatactivates the Emergency Mode of wearable safety lighting device 200,described in detail below.

In one embodiment, switches/buttons 354, 356, 358, 360, and 362 areconstructed using a compliant or rubberized material and form a watertight seal against upper housing portion 208. Additional detailsregarding operation of buttons 354, 356, 358, 360, and 362 are providedin connection with the description of the schematic block diagram ofFIG. 19.

Referring now to FIG. 19 and FIGS. 6-18 together where appropriate,operation of wearable safety lighting apparatus 200 is described withrespect to the configuration of a controller element 364. In oneembodiment, controller element 364 is a programmable unit providedwithin main housing 206. In an alternative embodiment, controller 364 isembodied as a hard-wired circuit board with similar functionality as aprogrammed device.

As shown in FIG. 19, controller element 364 is operationally coupled tothe rearward-facing third and fourth groups of light elements 246, 248via respective signal lines 366, 368, and to the frontward-facing firstand second groups of light elements 238, 240 via respective signal lines370, 372. Controller element 364 is likewise coupled to battery levellight or charge indicator light 280 via signal line 374, to the worklight or central light element 234 via signal line 376, and to thebeacon lights 230, 232 via signal line 378. While one signal line 378 isshown for both beacon lights 230, 232, controller 364 may be coupled toeach beacon light 230, 232 via an individual signal line in analternative embodiment. Additional signal lines may also be provided inembodiments where it is desired to independently operate any side-facinglight elements.

Controller element 364 is programmed to operate responsive to signalsreceived upon activation or depression of power saver button 360, worklight button 362, rear control button 356, center control button 358,and front control button 354. For example, upon depression of work lightbutton 362, controller element 364 receives a signal via control line380 and transmits a signal through signal line 376 to energize centrallight element 234. Upon depression of front control button 354,controller element 364 receives a signal via control line 382 andtransmits a signal to energize front lights 238, 240 via respectivesignal lines 370, 372. Likewise, upon depression of rear control button356, controller element 364 receives a signal via control line 384 andtransmits a signal to energize rear lights 246, 248 through signal lines366, 368.

In one embodiment, controller element 364 is programmed to controloperation of front lights 238, 240 and rear lights 246, 248 in variousFront & Rear Light Modes, wherein controller element 364 may selectivelyenergize only the front lights 238, 240, only the rear lights 246, 248,or the front and rear lights 238, 240, 246, 248 simultaneously dependentupon the sequence in which the front and/or rear control buttons 354,356 are depressed. As one non-limiting example, upon a first depressionof front control button 354, controller element 364 may be programmed totransmit an energizing signal to front lights 238, 240 via signal lines370, 372. If rear control button 356 is subsequently depressed,controller 364 may be programmed to transmit an energizing signal torear lights 246, 248 via signal lines 366, 368. Following the sequenceof depressing the front and rear control buttons 354, 356, front andrear lights 238, 240, 246, 248 would thus be energized. If either thefront or rear control button 354, 356 was subsequently depressed,controller element 364 may be programmed to transmit a signal tode-energize either the front lights 238, 240 or rear lights 246, 248.

A law enforcement officer, for example, may wish to operate using onlythe rear lights 246, 248 to make himself visible to persons or vehiclesbehind him while approaching a subject or during a traffic stop. Frontand rear lights 238, 240, 246, 248 may be energized to emit visualsignals in a variety of colors, flashing patterns, or sequences asdesired based on the given application.

When center control button 358 is depressed, a signal is transmitted tocontroller element 364 through control line 386 to operate in anEmergency Mode. Upon receipt of a signal from control line 386controller element 364 transmits signals through signal lines 366, 368,370, 372, 378 to simultaneously energize front lights 238, 240, rearlights 246, 248, and beacon lights 230, 232. In one embodiment, frontlights 238, 240 and rear lights 246, 248 are energized according to thefollowing sequential flashing pattern: front lights 240, rear lights246, rear lights 248, and front lights 238, thereby creating acontinuous chasing pattern of lights around main light assembly 202.Concurrently with this sequential flashing pattern, beacon lights 230,232 are controlled to continuously flash ON and OFF. In anotherembodiment, upon receipt of a signal from control line 386, controllerelement 364 transmits signals to energize front lights 238, 240, rearlights 246, 248, and/or beacon lights 230, 232 and alternativealternating or random patterns. Central light element 234 may beseparately activated by the user to emit a steady stream of light whenoperating in the Emergency Mode by depressing work light button 362.

In a preferred embodiment, controller element 364 is programmed tooperate central light element 234 independently of front and rear lights238, 240, 246, 248 and beacon lights 230, 232, thereby permitting a userto turn central light element 234 ON or OFF at any time, regardless ofthe current operating status of front and rear lights 238, 240, 246, 248or beacon lights 230, 232. Further, in a preferred embodiment,controller element 364 is programmed to operate central light element234 to emit a steady stream of light, while front and rear lights 238,240, 246, 248 and beacon lights 230, 232 are controlled to emit light ina flashing pattern.

When power saver button 360 is depressed, a signal is transmitted viacontrol line 388 to controller 364. Upon receipt of the signal fromcontrol line 388, controller element 364 transmits signals via signallines 366-378 to reduce the operating power of any energized lightelements 230, 232, 234, 238, 240, 246, 248, to extend the operating lifeof the wearable safety lighting apparatus 200. In one embodiment, thelight output of any energized lights is decreased to a power consumptionlevel equivalent to approximately one-half of the power consumption whenthe lights are operating at full intensity. Upon pressing power saverbutton 360 a second time, controller element 364 sends signals viaappropriate signal lines to return any currently energized lights theirmaximum or full light intensity. In an alternative embodiment,controller element 364 may be configured to operate light elementsinitially operate light elements 230, 232, 234, 238, 240, 246, 248 atthe reduced output level as a default and increase the output power to afull or maximum output level upon depression of power saver button 360.

Upon receiving a signal from any of control lines 380-388, controllerelement 364 is configured to transmit a signal via signal line 374 toenergize battery level or charge indicator light 280. Embedded withinthe signal transmitted through signal line 374 is a color indicator forcharge indicator light 280 based on a current state of charge of thepower source 276. In one embodiment, controller element 364 isconfigured to monitor a current state of charge of power source 276using one or more current or voltage sensors (not shown).

As described herein, a multi-directional, multi-functional wearablesafety lighting apparatus provides a hands-free light source thatprovides a user with enhanced visibility. The wearable safety lightingapparatus is removeably coupleable to a user's apparel using a novelmagnetic mounting mechanism that is contoured to a user's shoulder andthat is provided with stability flanges to prevent the wearable safetylighting apparatus from tipping or rocking when the user moves. Thewearable safety lighting apparatus is provided with multiple differentlight components that may be controlled to serve various functions,including providing flashlight functionality and enhancing thevisibility of the user to others in heavily populated areas and duringemergency situations.

A technical contribution for the disclosed apparatus is that it providesfor a controller implemented technique for controlling light elementsprovided on a wearable safety lighting device.

Therefore, according to one embodiment of the invention, a wearablesafety lighting device includes a main housing having a top surface, abottom surface, and a plurality of side surfaces and a mounting assemblycoupleable to the bottom surface of the main housing. The mountingassembly is configured to secure the wearable safety lighting device toa user. A first plurality of warning light elements is coupled to afront side surface of the main housing, a directional work light iscoupled to the front side surface of the main housing and distinct fromthe first plurality of warning light elements, and a second plurality ofwarning light elements is coupled to a rear side surface of the mainhousing. A power source is configured to supply power to the first andsecond plurality of warning light elements and the directional worklight and a controller is programmed to energize the first plurality ofwarning light elements following depression of a first control button,energize the second plurality of warning light elements followingdepression of a second control button, and energize the directional worklight following depression of a third control button.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a wearable safetylighting apparatus includes a main light assembly having a rechargeablepower source disposed within a housing and a first light assemblyengaged between a top portion and a bottom portion of the housing, thefirst light assembly comprising a first plurality of light componentsand a work light component. The main light assembly also includes asecond light assembly engaged between the top portion and the bottomportion of the housing, the second light assembly comprising a secondplurality of light components. A plurality of switches are configured toselectively energize the first plurality of light components, the secondplurality of light components, and the work light component to causevisual signals to emit therefrom and a first magnet coupled to thebottom portion of the housing. The wearable safety lighting apparatusalso includes a mounting assembly comprising a second magnet positionedto align with the first magnet to secure the wearable safety lightingapparatus through clothing of a user.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a wearable safetylighting apparatus includes a multi-functional light assembly having aplurality of light components configured to emit visual signals inmultiple directions and a first magnetic component secured to a bottomsurface of the multifunctional light assembly. A mounting assembly iscoupleable to the multi-functional light assembly via a second magneticcomponent secured to a top surface of the mounting assembly.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal languages of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wearable safety lighting apparatus comprising:an upper housing portion and a lower housing portion, the lower housingportion comprising (i) a protrusion extending outwardly from a bottomsurface of the lower housing portion; and (ii) a first magneticcomponent disposed within the protrusion, the first magnetic componentcomprising (a) a first section comprising a top surface; (b) a secondsection comprising a bottom surface; and (c) a central section disposedbetween the first section and the second section, wherein a diameter ofthe central section is greater than (1) a diameter of the first sectionand (2) a diameter of the second section; and a plurality of lightcomponents configured to emit visual signals in multiple directions, theplurality of light components disposed between the upper housing portionand the lower housing portion.
 2. The wearable safety lighting apparatusof claim 1, wherein the first magnetic component comprises neodymiumiron boron.
 3. The wearable safety lighting apparatus of claim 1,wherein the first magnetic component is removeably coupleable to ametallic object.
 4. The wearable safety lighting apparatus of claim 1,wherein the protrusion comprises an inner surface; and the firstmagnetic component comprises a first recessed lip formed about acircumference of the top surface of the first section, the firstrecessed lip sized to engage the inner surface of the protrusion.
 5. Thewearable safety lighting apparatus of claim 4, wherein the protrusioncomprises a side surface; and the central section of the first magneticcomponent comprises (i) a first portion adjacent to the first recessedlip, the first portion comprising a sloped side; and (ii) a secondportion adjacent the first portion, wherein the second portion is incontact with the side surface of the protrusion.
 6. A wearable safetylighting apparatus comprising an upper housing portion and a lowerhousing portion, the lower housing portion comprising (i) a protrusionextending outwardly from a bottom surface of the lower housing portion;and (ii) a first magnetic component disposed within the protrusion; aplurality of light components configured to emit visual signals inmultiple directions, the plurality of light components disposed betweenthe upper housing portion and the lower housing portion; and a mountingassembly comprising a mounting plate comprising (i) a mounting plate topsurface and a mounting plate bottom surface; (ii) a mounting plateprotrusion extending outwardly from the mounting plate top surface; and(iii) a second magnetic component disposed within the mounting plateprotrusion; wherein the second magnetic component is positioned to beremoveably coupleable to the first magnetic component.
 7. The wearablesafety lighting apparatus of claim 6, wherein the second magneticcomponent comprises neodymium iron boron.
 8. The wearable safetylighting apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first magnetic component andthe second magnetic component have an attractive force of from 10 poundsto 15 pounds.
 9. The wearable safety lighting apparatus of claim 6,wherein the second magnetic component comprises: a first sectioncomprising a top surface; a second section comprising a bottom surface;and a central section disposed between the first section and the secondsection, wherein a diameter of the central section is greater than (i) adiameter of the first section and (ii) a diameter of the second section.10. The wearable safety lighting apparatus of claim 9, wherein themounting plate protrusion comprises an inner surface; and the secondmagnetic component comprises a first recessed lip formed about acircumference of the top surface of the first section, the firstrecessed lip sized to engage the inner surface of the mounting plateprotrusion.
 11. The wearable safety lighting apparatus of claim 10,wherein the mounting plate protrusion comprises a side surface; and thecentral section of the second magnetic component comprises (i) a firstportion adjacent to the first recessed lip, the first portion comprisinga sloped side; and (ii) a second portion adjacent the first portion,wherein the second portion is in contact with the side surface of themounting plate protrusion.
 12. The wearable safety lighting apparatus ofclaim 6, wherein the mounting assembly further comprises a pair offlanges extending outwardly from the mounting plate top surface, whereinthe second magnetic component is disposed between the pair of flanges.13. The wearable safety lighting apparatus of claim 12, wherein eachflange has a length, and each flange curves inwardly along its lengthtowards the second magnetic component.
 14. The wearable safety lightingapparatus of claim 12, wherein the pair of flanges are sized such that atop surface of each flange extends above a top surface of the secondmagnetic component.
 15. The wearable safety lighting apparatus of claim12, wherein the bottom surface of the lower housing portion is curved;and a top surface of each flange is curved to mirror the curvature ofthe bottom surface of the lower housing portion.
 16. The wearable safetylighting apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a GPS component. 17.The wearable safety lighting apparatus of claim 1 further comprising arecording device.
 18. The wearable safety lighting apparatus of claim 1further comprising a rechargeable power source disposed between theupper housing portion and the lower housing portion; and a charging portoperatively connected to the rechargeable power source.